Some people get stung by wasps while spending time in nature, which can cause severe pain and, in some cases, serious allergic reactions.
In an interview with The Conversation, Professor Seirian Sumner, a behavioral ecology expert at University College London, said:
اضافة اعلان
“There are many simple ways to avoid wasp stings during outdoor picnics, one of the easiest being to place some food on a dish away from where you're sitting. This way, the insects will be attracted to the food and stay away from you.”
She added:
“When some people try to protect themselves from an approaching wasp, they panic, run away, or make sudden movements like waving their arms or screaming. These are the wrong reactions — the wasp may perceive you as a predator and attack in self-defense. It’s better to stay still and try to keep your mouth closed to reduce the release of carbon dioxide, which may attract these insects.”
The scientist explained that female yellowjackets and German wasps (Vespula germanica) often approach gatherings of people during outdoor activities in search of food for their larvae. They can be diverted by placing a plate with food somewhere else. She added that these females look for meat and protein sources when their larvae in the nest are hungry and need feeding, while they are attracted to sugary substances when they only need energy for themselves — that is, when they are feeding personally.
